221

There were major disruptions on train journey back up today, but it actually wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be.  I made a point of taking it as time to enjoy my ipod, and I did. A good example of how things like this help to make the world go round happier 😉

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219

Took the train down to Dublin this avo.  Its actually very relaxing even if it takes forever: reading, listening to my ipod… grrrrrreat.

Dinner with “collegues”  – who are so much more than just that – outside a restaurant in a surprisingly quiet waterside area of Dublin as the sun set.  Food was great too.

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201

The French IFES’ movement (and my excuse to come to France) started this afternoon and I was launched into French conversation and singing French praise which was cool.

However, the best conversation of the day started in French and ended up in English… 

I did a Bible College placement in Tours in 2005 and met Raphael and his wife at the church I was working with.  Back then, he was doing a little volunteer work with the GBU (French IFES/CUs) and I got to hang out a little with him at a CU meeting he was at.  So, because of his links, he was at the conference.  The moment of recognition and welcome was really cool – he’s so fun and generally one of the nicest people I’ve encountered.  But, anyway… we had a great conversation about life, discipleship, evangelism, France, God, faith… And he invited me to come lead worship at a conference in France in November!  It was just SUCH an encouraging and inspiring conversation.  Awesome.

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181

A church that serves Toffipops has gotta be a great place…

I enjoyed the time and space a drive home from Dublin (and a pit stop in Belfast) afforded to think, soul-search and listen to a talk on Galatians: ‘Preach the gospel and stop nagging people to try harder…’

Actually, this past few days has also brought a sense of reconciliation with a friend from a few years back where there had been a weird feeling of ‘we’ve-had-a-fight-but-actually-we-never-did’ before.  Glad that, at least in this one situation, I feel a little more grown up.

 And now? 

SLEEP! 😀

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149

A satisfyingly productive morning when a talk came together despite me thinking I had NOTHING to say!

SLOBS looked to be a difficult one, but again I was overwhelmed by the real sense that the Small Group Leaders are growing so much.  I loved their engagement with Scripture, with each other and with me – what a blessing.  I am reminded that its often in the struggle that we grow stronger.

A wee jaunt over to Derry to do an address at a ‘Lent’ service in a church – a chance to see some of the students there again and chat a little.  One man’s comment about being glad to hear that ‘students aren’t all bad’ made the CU movement all the more fresh and exciting to me too.

I called a friend I haven’t spoken to in almost a year.  It was easy – I just picked up the phone and did it!  As the phone rang I was thinking that I feel like a different person since we last spoke.  That made me nervous, but I discovered she’s been on a similar journey and that our friendship is still strong, still fresh and still organic!  Praise God for friends like that.  Praise God for growth in difficult times.

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134

I JUST BOOKED FLIGHTS TO FRANCE!!!!!!!!!!

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131

Breakfast in bed!

I then drove in the sunshine listening to great music.  I love that.  I also had a real sense of appreciation for the freedom I have to travel… very easily taken for granted or moaned about.

I’ve decided that I must make more time for reading, so I spent a couple of hours this afternoon with a book in my hand.  Think I fell asleep about 20 mins into that though…!  But, yeah – I enjoy reading.

Dinner (though, in itself nothing special) with two old school friends was great.  Not awkward and in reminiscing, I learnt that my bluntness isn’t a recently developed characteristic after all…!  I had thought that my friendship with one of these girls was long gone, but thanks to the other, its been rekindled!  I’m grateful for grown-up friendships that span time.

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127

I enjoyed chatting with a student today who understands my job and loves that I’m there to do it.  Always encouraging.

Ryanair sales and the prospect of travel…

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112

I rocked up at the airport this morning, extra early to avoid a mad rush through security… but the queue to check in was practically non-existant and I was checked in, through security and at Starbuck’s counter in about ten minutes.  Nice.  There was a moment of disappointment when they didn’t have my favourite cinnamon roll, but I got over it!  The travelling was pretty painless and the IFES bunch played cards on the train.  Thanks to espero for teaching us ‘Yanif’ back in the day…!

So 21-26th Jan is the second of three training conferences for Relay Workers (volunteers on a year of discipleship training alongside student ministry).  I’m one of about 15 Staff from all over British Isles – the only one from IFES Ireland meaning the rest of them see each other relatively frequently.  Arriving at the conference venue was great, though, because I didn’t feel like I was all that different from the rest of the Staff Team – I felt welcomed and appreciated and it was good to see them!  God answered some pretty fervent prayers and I felt like I could relax and concentrate this week much better than the one in September.

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104

A lengthy lie-in, cosy and warm and no pressure to get up.

I was taking the service in my home church tonight.  Talking about my work with students.  Took a different slant and got people within the congregation to talk about their experiences of the CU movement.  It was magic!  Not only did they say exactly what I wanted them to, but they meant it too!!!  Reinforces the fact that actually, what I’m involved in is being used by God to bring far-reaching consequences through all generations!

I felt so blessed by the presence and support of friends and family; eager to encourage and thank me afterwards and assure me of their prayers.  Knowing that they do pray.

Supper at the Manse and an intimate performance by the husband of a couple who’ve recently taken over supporting the students of the congregation.  He sang one of his own songs – kindy folky and reminded me of Martyn Joseph (who I’m only beginning to discover).  It was just a memorable moment – perhaps made more poignant by the realisation that this couple, who were formerly on the fringes, are beginning to embrace and be embraced into the community.  Beautiful.

Not only did his singing bless me, but the reminder of Martyn Joseph prompted me to listen to some tracks on my way back home.  I love the space and privacy that driving can afford.  Tonight, through a song by MJ, I remembered that I am precious in God’s eyes.

Joy and hope restored.

Understanding why God wanted me in Ireland this weekend.  Ryanair will have other sales…

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